HSBC runs first mixed training programme

HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. has just completed its 11th Foundation Management Skills programme for junior and middle mangers. The course, run by the bank's Maltese trainers, uses experiential learning techniques to help managers develop their skills in achieving results through people. This particular course was also, for the first time, attended by two public service managers from the Foreign Affairs Ministry and from the Staff Development Organisation (SDO) in the Prime Minister's Office.

HSBC training and development manager Mike Sinnett said: "I have always wanted to open up HSBC's management skills courses to include managers from other organisations.

"This has tremendous benefit for our managers because they realise that they are not alone in having difficult problems to face. Managers from other organisations experience similar difficulties because they are all related to the management of people."

Mr Sinnett explained that the opportunity for HSBC to organise its first mixed training programme came up at a meeting with Ms Joanna Genovese from the SDO. "I also wanted to give the managers in our department some exposure to other organisations as a way of developing their skills, she said, adding:

"I believe in sharing and networking as an effective means of deve-lopment. Direct exposure to other managers' experiences helped our participants realise that there are common difficulties people in management face. The enhancement of leadership skills can help to overcome these difficulties."

In evaluating the success of the course Mr Sinnet concluded: "The feedback from both HSBC and Public Service delegates was very positive. They all felt that the course had 'exceeded their expectations' and that the opportunity to mix with other managers had been 'invaluable'. HSBC looks forward to other opportunities to run similar 'mixed' courses in the future."